Jim Lampley, the legendary broadcaster, has had an extraordinary career filled with unexpected moments and fascinating encounters.
At 76 years old, he’s still active in the world of sports, promoting his memoir It Happened! A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television.
During a dinner in a busy Manhattan steakhouse, Lampley shared stories that highlighted his remarkable journey through the world of sports broadcasting.
From Hollywood Encounters to Boxing Legends
Lampley’s dinner was a treasure trove of tales, including some involving famous names.
He recalled meeting George Clooney while filming a cameo for Ocean’s Eleven in 2001, where Clooney revealed his embarrassing Cincinnati Reds tryout story.
Clooney had famously struggled with a curveball during his tryout, toppling backward in an attempt to avoid the pitch.
Lampley also shared his experience with Bob Dylan. He once worked on acquiring the rights to Dylan’s book Chronicles to create an HBO series.
While the project ultimately went nowhere, Lampley fondly remembered Dylan’s curious question: “How much money am I going to make?”
A Career Shaped by Sports History
Lampley’s career is intertwined with some of the most significant sporting events in recent history.
His mother, Peggy, was his first inspiration, taking him to see Cassius Clay’s (later Muhammad Ali) shocking victory over Sonny Liston in 1964.
From there, Lampley’s career took off after winning a nationwide talent search by ABC.
Over the years, he would go on to cover iconic events such as the World Series, the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and the Indianapolis 500, earning a 30-year tenure as HBO’s boxing voice.
One of the most poignant moments of Lampley’s career came during the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Lampley was present when members of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September killed 11 Israeli athletes.
He recalled the historic broadcast by Jim McKay and how ABC producer Roone Arledge made a crucial decision to replace Chris Schenkel with McKay to deliver the somber news to the public.
The Unlikely Friendship with Mike Tyson
In his role as HBO’s boxing commentator, Lampley formed a connection with Mike Tyson, who at 58 remains one of the most complicated figures in sports.
Lampley spoke about Tyson’s traumatic childhood and how it shaped his decisions, including his controversial $20 million return to the ring against Jake Paul.
“For Mike, any legitimate deprivation puts him back in the tenement apartment in Brooklyn,” Lampley said, reflecting on Tyson’s struggles.
Humble Beginnings and Humorous Stories
Despite his high-profile career, Lampley’s journey wasn’t all glitz and glamour.
He recalled being assigned to cover less-than-exciting events like wrist wrestling championships and a cheerleading competition in Daytona Beach.
But even in those moments, Lampley found humor in the absurdity and remained a good sport.
A Life with Some A-List Encounters
Lampley’s life also intersected with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
He golfed with Jack Nicholson, befriended O.J. Simpson, and even spent time with Donald Trump before his rise to political fame.
One particularly memorable encounter came when Lampley, along with Mick Jagger, watched Muhammad Ali’s final fight against Larry Holmes in 1980.
The moment left a deep impression on Lampley, with Jagger remarking, “It’s the end of our youth,” as they watched Ali’s painful defeat.
The Legacy of a Sports Broadcasting Icon
Throughout his career, Lampley was surrounded by broadcasting legends, such as Jim McKay and Howard Cosell, who both viewed him as a threat.
Despite the competition and occasional tension, Lampley thrived in this environment, learning valuable lessons from these figures.
“It was unique for me to work in that environment… managing to perform well enough to survive that culture,” Lampley reflected.
Even in his later years, Lampley’s voice remains as relevant as ever.
His memoir, It Happened!, encapsulates the unique experiences and identities he gained as an American sportscaster.
His enduring career proves that announcers don’t have an expiration date as long as they continue telling compelling stories.
What’s Next for Jim Lampley?
Looking ahead, Lampley is far from slowing down.
He’ll be calling the action for a May 2nd triple-header featuring Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Teofimo Lopez in a fight streamed by DAZN.
With his wealth of experience and knack for storytelling, Lampley continues to be a beloved figure in the sports world.